Want to fit horse extensions in the tail or mane yourself? Our I-tip extensions are attached to a small section of your horse's own hair with a small microring. You use no heat, glue or wax.
The basics are simple, but take your time. Work with a calm horse that is used to having its tail or mane brushed.
What's in the DIY kit?
A DIY kit contains:
- 25, 50, 75 or 100 I-tip extensions;
- microrings with a silicone inner layer;
- a microring threading needle;
- a microring plier;
- an extensive manual.
The extensions are about 84 cm long for the tail and about 35 cm for the mane. Always check the product image and the size of the product you order.
How to fit I-tip horse extensions yourself
1. Prepare the hair
Wash and detangle the tail or mane if needed. Comb out any tangles and let the hair dry. Try not to work in a thick braid or where the hair pulls hard.
2. Work from the outside in
Choose the part of the tail or mane you want to thicken or lengthen. Start on the outside, so your horse's own hair can cover the attachments later. Divide the hair into small, even sections.
3. Prepare the microring
Use the threading needle to pull an extension through the silicone microring. Keep the ring open, then take a small section of your horse's own hair.
4. Pull the horse's own hair through the ring
Bring the chosen section through the microring with the needle. Don't keep using the same hair: take a new small section each time. The base has to grow out with the natural hair and mustn't sit flat against the skin.
5. Secure the ring
Place the microring in the desired position. Gently squeeze it closed with the microring plier, close to the base of the extension. Close the ring fully, but don't crush it. The natural hair must not be pinched through.
6. Repeat and spread evenly
Place the next extensions with a new microring each time. Work in even rows and check after each row how the tail or mane looks. Stop earlier once you've reached the desired volume; more extensions don't automatically give a better result.
7. Comb the bases away
Check the extensions from underneath and gently comb them through the natural hairs. Make sure the microrings aren't visible. Let your horse get used to the new hair calmly before you ride, go out or do any sport.
How many extensions do you need?
As a guideline, THEF recommends:
| Desired result | Number |
|---|---|
| Light thickening or filling in | 25 |
| Stronger thickening | 25 to 50 |
| Lengthening or clearly more volume | 50 to 100 |
The right number depends on the thickness of the natural hair, the amount of hair and the effect you want. If in doubt, pick a smaller amount and check the result while fitting.
Lengthening: adding new extensions
After about four to six months, extensions can become thinner, shorter or damaged. The attachment is often still in place, but the extension itself needs a new length.
- Brush the hair gently and make the bases clearly visible.
- Remove or open the microring according to the supplied manual; never remove the extension by pulling hard on it.
- Fit a new extension with a new microring.
- Reuse an intact extension where possible.
A new length is no guarantee of a better or longer fit. Compare the new extension with the natural hair before closing the ring.
Caring for fitted extensions
- Brushing: start at the bottom. Hold your hand close to the base and brush with slow, flowing strokes. Work any tangles loose gently.
- Washing: use a suitable shampoo and conditioner for horsehair. Keep products away from the microrings and rinse them out thoroughly.
- Detangler: never spray detangler directly onto the bases. Keep the product far enough below the attachment to limit slipping and coming loose.
- Drying: don't rub or blow-dry the extensions hard. Gently blot wet hair and let it air dry as much as possible.
- Storing: comb out loose tangles before storing the extensions.
When do you stop fitting?
Stop when your horse becomes restless, pulls a lot at the bases or shows signs of pain. Also check regularly that a ring isn't too tight. Remove the product if there is skin irritation, minor wounds or lasting unrest, and if needed seek advice from a vet or an experienced horse care professional.